The ICARUS project addresses the crisis in the Puglia artichoke sector through various strategies aimed at resolving issues across the supply chain. These include:

• Recovery of local varieties, to preserve biodiversity and enhance regional germplasm.
• Efficient optimization of cultivation techniques, such as biofertilization, precision irrigation, and low-environmental-impact cropping systems.
• Product innovation, including the development of IV and V range artichokes for new markets and direct consumption.
• Valorization of processing waste, to create by-products like nutraceutical or cosmetic ingredients, while reducing waste.
• Support for local producers through training and the introduction of advanced technologies, enhancing their competitiveness.

In this way, ICARUS aims to improve the profitability and sustainability of the sector, addressing global market challenges and local structural problems.

The data reveals several critical issues for Puglia producers:

• Reduction in cultivated area and yield per hectare: Over the past 20 years, there has been a decline in the area dedicated to artichoke cultivation, coupled with a decrease in productivity.
• Germplasm impoverishment: Traditional propagation techniques and poor genetic diversification have reduced crop variability.
• Adverse climatic conditions: Cultivation is often hindered by frosts and other climatic problems that negatively affect yields.
• Economic and market pressures: Low prices imposed by processing companies and competition with foreign markets make artichoke cultivation less profitable, leading many producers to prefer alternative crops.

These factors underline the need for innovations to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the artichoke supply chain.

In the ICARUS project, local and hybrid varieties were selected to evaluate their adaptability, productivity, and technological potential. The local varieties include:

• Troianella
• Violetto di Lucera
• Locale di Mola
• Brindisino
• Spinoso Sardo
• Violetto di Manfredonia

The hybrid varieties used in the trials are:

• Green Queen
• Opal
• Opera
• Capriccio
• Artemisia
• Atenea
• Green Triumph
• Nun 7020
• Symphony

The experimental trials focused on adaptability to Puglia's cultivation areas, productivity, and the quality characteristics of the heads, with particular attention to their suitability for industrial processing.

The ICARUS project adopted the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to compare the environmental impact of innovative agricultural practices with conventional ones. The approach included:

• Data collection: Information on the inputs and outputs of agricultural practices was collected through field monitoring and advanced technologies.
• Comparative analysis: LCA was used to quantify environmental impacts in terms of resource consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and water usage.
• Critical point identification: The analysis identified areas generating the greatest impacts, enabling improvements in agricultural techniques.

The results showed that introducing innovative practices, such as precision irrigation and biofertilization systems, helped reduce water consumption and the overall ecological footprint.

To reduce water consumption, the ICARUS project implemented innovative techniques, including:

• Precision irrigation: Use of the DSS (Decision Support System) Bluleaf® system to optimize irrigation volumes. The system analyzes real-time data from field sensors, weather conditions, and crop phenological status.
• Continuous monitoring: Control of irrigation volumes and schedules through sensors measuring soil water content (SWC).
• Significant water savings: These technologies resulted in about 25% water savings compared to traditional practices, without compromising productivity.

These techniques demonstrate how innovation can contribute to more sustainable management of natural resources.

The introduction of new cultivation techniques in the ICARUS project promises several economic benefits:

• Reduction of operating costs: Precision irrigation and the rationalization of fertilizer use reduce the consumption of resources such as water and chemical nitrogen, lowering management costs.
• Increased productivity: Agronomic innovations, such as low-environmental-impact cropping systems and biofertilization, improve yield per hectare and product quality.
• Access to new markets: The development of IV and V range artichokes, with high added value, allows access to more profitable market niches, such as catering and ready-to-eat products.
• Valorization of waste: The transformation of crop residues into nutraceutical or cosmetic products generates additional income sources and reduces waste.

These economic benefits are essential for strengthening the competitiveness of the artichoke sector and attracting new investments.

The ICARUS project studied and optimized several industrial transformation processes for artichokes intended for the IV and V range, with the aim of increasing their added value. The main processes analyzed include:

• Washing and cutting: Experimental tests were conducted to improve washing solutions and cutting methods, minimizing browning and preserving the product's organoleptic characteristics.
• Anti-browning treatments: Various treatments were tested, including the use of ascorbic and citric acid in different concentrations and modes, to reduce post-cut oxidation.
• Stabilization and preservation: Innovative techniques, such as microwave treatment, were used to delay browning and extend the product's shelf life.
• Sustainable packaging: Innovative packaging materials were tested, focusing on sustainability and maintaining the product's organoleptic properties.

These processes were designed to meet market demands and offer consumers convenient, fresh, and high-quality products.

The anti-browning treatments tested on artichokes provided promising results in preserving the visual and nutritional quality of the product. Key results include:

• Reduction of oxidation: Treatments based on ascorbic and citric acid, applied in different concentrations and methods (immersion or spray), effectively delayed post-cut browning.
• Effectiveness of microwave treatment: This technology, applied both before and after cutting, significantly delayed browning and helped improve the product's shelf life.
• Preservation of organoleptic properties: Times and concentrations of antioxidants were optimized to ensure that the treatments did not alter the taste, color, or texture.

These results were crucial for developing IV and V range products with high quality and market competitiveness.

From the recovery of artichoke crop residues, several high-value products were developed, including:

• Nutraceutical ingredients: Bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, inulin, and proteins, were extracted from bracts, leaves, and other waste, intended for the nutraceutical sector.
• Substances for natural cosmetics: Some extracts rich in antioxidants were used in the cosmetic industry for skincare formulations.
• Food products: Waste was used to develop new ingredients for the food sector, increasing the efficiency of the production cycle.

This approach contributed to sustainable waste management and diversification of income sources for the artichoke supply chain.

The main future challenges for the Puglia artichoke supply chain include:

• Adaptation to climate change: Cultivation management must address extreme climatic events, such as frosts and droughts, which negatively affect yields.
• Market competition: Pressure from foreign markets and low prices imposed by processing companies require an increase in sector competitiveness.
• Technological innovation: The dissemination and adoption of advanced technologies require further investment and training for local producers.
• Product valorization: It is essential to develop marketing strategies to improve the recognition and added value of Puglia artichokes in national and international markets.
• Environmental sustainability: Implementing eco-friendly practices is crucial to reducing the environmental impact of cultivation and maintaining the quality of natural resources.

Addressing these challenges will be fundamental to ensuring the economic and environmental sustainability of the supply chain and preserving Puglia's central role in the artichoke sector.